If you’re someone who loves a crunchy, sweet, and wholesome snack, you’re going to adore this Homemade Granola Clusters Recipe. I absolutely love how it comes together with simple pantry staples and yields those irresistible clusters you just want to munch on all day. Whether you sprinkle it over yogurt, enjoy it with milk, or eat it by the handful, this recipe will quickly become your go-to granola fix.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Clusters Every Time: You’ll find that the baking and resting technique creates those crunchy clumps everyone loves.
- Naturally Sweetened: Using real maple syrup and honey gives this granola a warm, rich flavor without refined sugars.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Add your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to make it uniquely yours.
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and requires minimal effort—perfect for busy mornings or last-minute snacks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work beautifully together to create a balanced flavor and crunchy texture. I like buying rolled oats in bulk if I can, and always opt for pure maple syrup—it makes a big difference. Make sure not to substitute quick oats here if you want those clusters!
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Avoid quick oats; these oats give you the perfect chew and cluster formation.
- Unsweetened flaked or shredded coconut: Adds a toasty, tropical flavor that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon.
- Sliced almonds: Provide a nice crunch and nutty taste—you can swap these for walnuts if you prefer.
- Raw pumpkin seeds: Adds texture and a subtle earthiness; pepitas are my family’s favorite mix-in.
- Pure maple syrup: The natural sweetness here is key—it caramelizes gently in the oven.
- Avocado oil: A neutral oil that helps bind and crisp up the granola without overpowering flavors.
- Pure honey: Adds depth to the sweetness and helps with that sticky cluster feel.
- Ground cinnamon: Warms up the whole mix—feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg for a twist!
- Pure vanilla extract: The secret to rounding out flavors and enhancing sweetness naturally.
- Fine salt: Balances all the sweet and nutty notes perfectly.
- Optional dried fruit: Raisins, cranberries, or chopped figs are my go-to choices for that chewy contrast.
Variations
I love how flexible this Homemade Granola Clusters Recipe is—you can easily swap or add ingredients to suit your mood or what you have on hand. I’ve played around with a few variations over time that I’m excited to share with you.
- Nut-Free Variation: I’ve swapped almonds and pumpkin seeds for toasted sunflower and chia seeds when making this for friends with allergies.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Stir in mini dark chocolate chips once the granola cools for a melt-in-your-mouth surprise.
- Spiced Up: Adding a dash of cardamom or ginger gives it a cozy holiday vibe.
- Higher Protein: Toss in some hemp seeds or chopped roasted peanuts for extra protein punch that keeps you full longer.
How to Make Homemade Granola Clusters Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Dry and Wet Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 300℉ and lining a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. In a medium bowl, toss together the oats, coconut, almonds, and pumpkin seeds. Then add in maple syrup, avocado oil, honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until every oat is coated in that beautiful golden glaze—you’ll know it’s ready when the mixture feels sticky and aromatic.
Step 2: Bake and Rest to Get Those Perfect Clusters
Spread your granola mixture evenly across the baking sheet. Here’s the secret: bake without stirring for 22 to 26 minutes until it’s lightly browned. Avoid the temptation to stir! Once done, open the oven door and rotate the pan to promote even cooking. Shut the oven and turn it off, then leave the granola inside for 30 minutes—that’s the magic resting phase that lets clusters form as it cools. Trust me, I discovered this trick after messing up granola that crumbled too much.
Step 3: Finish and Cool Completely
After that resting time, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet before adding your dried fruit, if you’re using any. I like mixing in raisins or chopped apricots at this point for chewy bursts that contrast the crunch. Once cooled, break the granola into clusters or chunks as big or small as you like—either way, it’ll be delicious!
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Granola Clusters Recipe
- Don’t Stir During Baking: I learned the hard way that stirring breaks up clusters—just letting it rest warms everything through and seals those clusters.
- Use a Silicone Mat or Parchment: It makes removal super easy and helps the granola “set” into clusters without sticking.
- Choose Neutral Oil: Avocado oil works great, but you can also use light olive oil or melted coconut oil for slightly different notes.
- Cool Completely Before Adding Dried Fruit: If you add fruit too soon, it can get soggy or melt down; patience pays off with perfect texture.
How to Serve Homemade Granola Clusters Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my granola clusters with a drizzle of Greek yogurt and fresh berries for breakfast, adding a sprinkle of chia seeds for an added crunch and boost. If you’re serving it as a snack, a light dusting of cinnamon or a few toasted coconut flakes on top amps up the flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This granola pairs perfectly with smoothie bowls, creamy homemade yogurt, or even a simple bowl of cold milk for the ultimate cereal experience. I sometimes serve it alongside sliced apples or banana for a refreshing contrast to the crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, I like to portion the granola clusters into mason jars with a colorful ribbon and a handwritten note. On special brunch days, layering the granola with homemade chia pudding and fresh fruit in glass jars makes for a pretty, delicious presentation that guests love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover granola clusters in an airtight container at room temperature, and they keep their crunch beautifully for up to one month. It’s one of those snacks you’ll want to keep on hand all the time because it’s just that good.
Freezing
I’ve frozen granola clusters before in freezer-safe bags. When ready to eat, just take out a portion and let it thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes—they come out as delicious as fresh without any sogginess.
Reheating
If you like your granola warm, I gently heat leftover clusters in a 300℉ oven for about 5 minutes to re-crisp them. Just keep a close eye so they don’t burn. Warming up really brings out the toasted flavors.
FAQs
-
Can I use quick oats for this Homemade Granola Clusters Recipe?
Quick oats aren’t ideal here because they tend to break down too much during baking and don’t hold clusters well. Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture and crunch for clusters.
-
How do I get clumps in my granola?
The key is not stirring the granola while baking and allowing it to sit in the turned-off oven for 30 minutes to finish crisping and sticking together. This resting period is what forms those perfect clusters.
-
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Just replace the honey with additional maple syrup or a plant-based sweetener, and you’ll have a fully vegan homemade granola cluster recipe that’s just as delicious.
-
How should I store homemade granola clusters?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and crunchy for up to a month, but if you want longer storage, freezing works well too.
Final Thoughts
When I first made this Homemade Granola Clusters Recipe, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was and how much flavor it packed with such simple ingredients. It’s become a staple in my kitchen because it satisfies that crunchy craving without any additives or excess sugar. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it and sharing it with your family and friends—there’s just something special about homemade snacks that you just can’t beat. Give it a try and let those clusters bring a little extra joy to your day!
Print
Homemade Granola Clusters Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings (about 8 cups total)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Homemade Granola Recipe is a simple, quick, and delicious way to create crunchy, flavorful granola clusters perfect for breakfast or snacking. Made with wholesome oats, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup and honey, it offers a healthy, satisfying alternative to store-bought granola. You can customize it further by adding your favorite dried fruits after baking.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats)
- ¾ cup unsweetened flaked or shredded coconut
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- ⅓ cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon fine salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons pure honey
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Optional Mix-ins
- 1 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, cherries, chopped figs or apricots, dates, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 300℉ (150℃). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the oats, coconut, sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds, maple syrup, avocado oil, honey, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly mixed and coated.
- Spread the Granola: Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly over the entire surface to ensure it cooks uniformly.
- Bake the Granola: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 22-26 minutes without stirring, allowing the granola to lightly brown. This helps form crunchy clusters.
- Rotate and Turn Off Oven: After baking time, open the oven door and carefully rotate the pan to ensure even color. Then close the door and turn the oven off to allow residual heat to continue cooking the granola gently.
- Rest in Oven: Let the granola sit inside the turned-off oven for 30 minutes without stirring. This resting period ensures it dries and crisps perfectly.
- Cool and Add Dried Fruit: Remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, sprinkle your choice of dried fruit over the granola and gently break it into clusters.
- Store Your Granola: Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to one month, ready to enjoy whenever you like.
Notes
- This recipe yields a crunchy granola that makes for a delicious topping on yogurt, smoothie bowls, or eaten alone as a snack.
- Using avocado oil keeps the granola light and adds a subtle richness without overpowering the flavors.
- Adjust cinnamon and sweeteners to your taste for more or less sweetness or spice.
- Be sure not to stir the granola during baking or resting to allow natural clusters to form.
- Feel free to swap nuts and seeds to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
- Store granola in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅓ cup
- Calories: 123
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 13 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
